Rail fitting



June 28, 1949. J. c. DEN ER 2,474,727

RAIL FITTING Filed May 25, 1948 INVENTOR. (/AMES 6. DEN/EA 34 I BY 9 65:,

Patented June 28, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RAIL FITTING James C. Denier, Cincinnati, Ohio Application May 25, 1948, Serial No. 29,109

. 11 Claims.

This invention relates to rail fittings particularly adapted for use in forming, assembling, or installing railings for different purposes.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a simple, eflicient, and inexpensive means for securely connecting the ends of pipes, rods, and the like in constructing or installing railings and. fences.

Another object is to provide inexpensive rail fittings which may be used in combination for obtaining side outlet crosses and other combinations.

A further object is to provide a pair of interchangeable fittings for assembling combinations of various types in the construction and installation of guard rails, fences and the like, thus enabling the supplier or distributor to stock a minimum number of fittings.

These and other objects and advantages are attained by the means described herein and illustrated upon the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a T-fitting.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an L-fitting.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing one T- fitting superposed upon another T-fitting to provide a cross with two side outlets.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a T-fitting with an L-fitting superposed thereupon to provide a cross with one side outlet.

Fig. 5 is an elevational view, partly in cross section of an L-fitting provided with interior threads.

Fig. 6 is an elevational view, partly in cross section, showing a, modified form of T-fitting with a length of railing or pipe extending therethrough.

The present invention answers the need for inexpensive, practical, and sturdy fittings suitable for making a variety of connections and joints in the construction of railings, fences, and the like.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates a T-shaped pipe or rail fitting 8, comprising a pair of axially aligned horizontal sockets 9 and H] and an intermediate depending sleeve I2 at substantial right angles to the axis of the sockets 9 and Ill. The diameters of the sockets and the sleeve may be substantially identical, as shown,

or the sockets, in some cases, may be of a smaller diameter than the sleeve.

The fitting B is provided with an intermediate transverse slot l3, the lower wall or seat M of the slot being disposed on a plane shared by. the axlsof the sockets 9. and I0 and normal to the axis of sleeve I2, while the parallel side walls ii of the slot are on planes tangent to the outer diameter of the depending sleeve II. In other words, the slot I3 has a depth substantially half the diameter of the sockets 9 and I0 and a width corresponding to the diameter of the sleeve l2. The slot i3 is provided for the purpose of combining two similar fittings into a cross wlth'one or two side outlets, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4,

wherein the axes of the various sockets are coplanar. In this combination, the seat l4 of'fitting 8 will abut a similar seat on the second fitting.

The bore [6 of the fitting 8, Fig. 1, may extend all the way through the sleeve I! while the sockets 9 and IB may be provided with blind holes it. The sockets and sleeve may be 'interiorly screw threaded, as at l9 and 20, for receiving the threaded ends of horizontal and vertical pipes or rods, respectively, in the construction or iabri-X cation of guard rails, fence frames, and the like.

A modified form of the T-fitting is shown at I08, in Fig. 6. The general configuration of this fitting is substantially the same as fitting 8, Fig.

l, with the exception that smooth bores H8 and, H6 are provided in the sockets I09 and H0 and the sleeve H2, respectively. As shown in Fig. 6, the bore H8 may extend entirely through the sockets Hi9 and H0, to provide an uninterrupted passage for receiving therethrough the horizontal pipe or rod 28, which may be fixed against displacement by suitable means, such as the lock pins 39 transversing the fitting I08 and the pipe or rod 29. A vertical pipe or rod 29 may be inserted in the sleeve I I2 and likewise held against displacement by means of a pin 3|. Used in this manner, the fitting I08 serves as a T-fitting.

By projectingthe vertical pipe or rod 29 en-' tirely through the fitting I08, said fitting may be used as a cross, since the socket members i359 and H0 will be adapted to receive the ends of horizontally disposed pipes or rods, such as 28. Used in this manner, the fitting 10! will M9, and the sleeve with a smooth bore, as in Fig. 3, wherein is shown two T-fittings in combination, one inverted and superposed upon the other, with their respective sleeves in axial alignment and the axes of the sockets coplanar. In this modified form, the T-fittings are indicated at 208, while their integral sockets are shown- 3 at 209-2) and the sleeves at 2|2. This combination or assembly provides a cross with two co-axial side outlets. A pipe or rod may be disposed through the vertical sleeves 2l2 and held against displacement by means of .pins projecting through the apertures 32. Horizontal pipes or rods with threaded ends may be screwed into ;-the interiorly threaded sockets 209 and 2H].

Other parts of the fittings 208 are indicated with the sametreference, numerals as; like; parts; oiirtlier fitting 8with" the numeral 2 placed b'eforeeaclr reference numeral.

In Fig. 2 is shown an L-fitting 33 similar in construction to the T-fittings previously; die-iscribed, but having only one socket, indicated at 3:4. The socket, 34 and the vertical sleeve=35 may each be provided with a.- @,SmQth-1bpI B, a; indicated at 36 and 38 respectively. The corner of the L is provided with a seat or step-.39 saidi seat being on a plane shared by the axis of the ockets; 34% and no m o he xis o t: le ve 1 35;. um. tr n er e erticallw llrhis an ent t h diameterof-the;sleeve -3n ASyWilLbGy unde stoc dthand J neth i QQiJ eQ tZ BL" cctrespcn. the d a eter o ee e: a..

be tti 33 5 may. e us d..= a I eiend; oi: a uard a lior 'i nc v am s nenea ementawith a: xert cai nda horizontal pin on' od; arr edibm the isleeve and;,the,socket;,34; or -ihmay beused; in: combination; with a rfit i l c otf rm across: lthioneisideroutlet, as, delin ated-in E s- In: its cmbination,-, ,the1L-fi' t ll t33 is nverted: and; superposed upon the T-fitting I08 shown in 6e firrwi l,i eg lnderfitOqd; the seat;.39@o@rthexL- fittings abuts the seat. H provided on; T:- fitting; 18;: so .as itO, bring :the;s1-eeves:,3.5 and: H21; intmaxial: alignment,-, with the, axesioltthea-sockets 3325.. I09; and H0 coplanar; This. combination: Wmitsiof' awer-tical pipe-or rod-;b'.eing-pnojected throughthetaligned sleeve 35yand: I [2; while the: SQGkEtSJ-34 I09; andcllll are adaptedttoisupport horizontal pipes or rods in a fence 01w railing structures Fig; d shows amodificationof the L -fitting; wherein; thesocket I34" and the sleeve I 35 are provided with interior screw th-readsas indic,c.-,ted;jat I36-and I38; respectively, the fitting beipg' shownbyt-the reference numeral I332 The horizontaL-seat and the vertical, side-wall are indicated; at I39 and I40" respectively;

combining two L-fittings 33; a right anglee assembly is possible; In this combinationyone fltting is inverted and superposed upon-the other, withi hm e e 9 in. face to. ace. a tmcnth he. ocketsat i ht angl s and he sleevesifliin em ss! a ie ment. e. Lefitting, 33,: may e... providedwith apertures ,4] for, receivingsuitable musicn he u noseof fixinads .p pipes a ainst i displacement,, It isralsopossible, by.using ,tvv,o.; t= tt n 3-, ,to-..form..a.cross,. -Qhl he/ axes.

ogthe sleeves,35..and,the .sockets 3.4-;are&t.ri ght.

What is claimed is:

1. A coupling of the type described which comprises, a first and a second socket, said sockets being integrally formed, said sockets meeting at a right angle to form a junction section between said sockets, said junction section terminating at a surface perpendicular to the axis of the first socket and in a plane including the axis of the second socket, the second socket terminating at a'surface emendiculanto the axis ;of the second socket and tangent to theouter-surface of the first socket, said junction section forming a platform between the sockets for receiving a similar platform of a second coupling of the type dec bed A coupling of the type described which comprisesg a first and a second hollow cylindrical socket receptive of hand rail elements, said sockets being integrally formed, said sockets meeting at a right angle to form a junction sectionibetween; sa-idisookets; said junction; section terminating at a... surface: perpendicular to the; axis of theefirstrsocketeand imaplaneiinclu-dingr the: axis 20f r the; secondisockekzthezzsecond socket terminating; at; a surface; perpendicular? to the? axis of the second: socket: andi tangenti. touther outer surface: of the; firste. socket; saidi junction; section forming a platform for receivingzassimial lar platform of: a. second; coupling; of" then type described, the bore ofi-atzleast one! ofirsaid sockets: extending throughisaid-ijunctionusections 3. A coupling of the type described which coma prises; a first and' ai second" hollow-cylindrical socket receptiveiofihandiraitxelements, saidisocks-si ets being integrally formed: saidisockets meeting at: a right angleato' formea junctionwsection be tween said sockets; saidijunctiom sectiomtermie nating at a. surface perpendicular-to:ithe axis ofi the first -sock'et and ina plane,-'inc1udirig-the axisof the second sooket, the second socket ter minatingatassurface perpendioular to the axi's of the second socket and tangent to the-outer surfaceof the first socket; saidijunction section forming a platformfor receivinga similar platform= of a. second coupling o-f 'the -type described, the-bores of 'the sockets meeting-at the junetiom section.

4:, Acoupling==of-thetypedescribed which comprises, a first, a second: and a thirdwyli ndricar socket, all receptive of hand rail' elements; the secondandthird sockets-being coaxial, said sockets-being integrallyformed, the first-socket meet ing the second and the third sockets at a 'rigl'it angle to form'- a junction section-between said sockets, said junction-section =beingcut-awaytati a" surfaceperpendiculartar-the axis of the fiistf socket in a plane including the axis of the"sec'=" 0nd and" third sockets and at a-pa-irof surfaces. perpendicular to the axis-pfi-the secondand:thirdi 6 socketstangent'to opposite outepsurfaces 70f ,the:

first socket; saidjunctionsection-"forming a, plat; form for receiving a platform of a secondj,cou= plingof -th'e type'described: 1

5:- A coupli ng of the type describedwhich comprises, a -first, a second,- anda thirdfhollbw ,cylirie drical socket, all receptive of handgra-il ,;e1ements,' the-second andthirdsocketsbeing-=-coaxia-l,- ,said f sockets i being integrallyformed,-' the first socket meeting the second andthe-=third=sockets ata' right: angle-tn form ajunction sectiombetweenr' said sockets, said junction section" being cut away" at a surface-perpendicular to the axis on the first socket ima plane includinggthe aids oft-the.second and thirdsooketsaandiiat a pair of 7s=f-surfaces perpendiclflar to the axisof the and third sockets tangent to opposite outer surfaces of the first socket, said junction section forming a platform for receiving a similar platform of a second coupling of the type described, the bore of the first socket extending through the junction section.

6. A coupling of the type described which comprises, a first, a second, and a third hollow cylindrical socket, all receptive of hand rail elements, the second and third sockets being coaxial, said sockets being integrally formed, the first socket meeting the second and the third sockets at a right angle to form a junction section between said sockets, said junction section being cut away at a surface perpendicular to the axis of the first socket in a plane including the axis of the second and third sockets and at a pair of surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the second and third sockets tangent to opposite outer surfaces of the first socket, said junction. section forming a platform for receiving a similar platform of a second coupling of the type described, the first and second sockets being closed at said surfaces, the bore of the first socket extending through the junction section.

7. A coupling of the type described which comprises, a first, a second, and a third hollow cylindrical socket, the second and third sockets being coaxial, said sockets being integrally formed, the first socket meeting the second and the third sockets at a right angle to form a junction section between said sockets, said junction section being cut away at a surface perpendicular to the axis of the first socket in a plane including the axis of the second and third sockets and at a pair of surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the second and third sockets tangent to opposite outer surfaces of the first socket, said junction section forming a platform for receiving a similar platform of a second coupling of the type described, the bore of said first, second and third sockets extending through the junction section to permit a rail to pass through said junction section.

8. The combination of a pair of couplings of the type described each of which comprises, a first and a second cylindrical socket receptive of hand rail elements, said sockets being integrally formed, said sockets meeting at a right angle to form a junction section between said sockets, said junction section terminating at a surface perpendicular to the axis of the first socket and in a plane including the axis of the second socket, the second socket terminating at a surface perpendicular to the axis of the second socket and tangent to the outer surface of the first socket, said junction section forming a platform for receiving a similar platform of the other coupling, said couplings being mounted with said platforms abutting, the first socket of one coupling being coaxial with the first socket of the other coupling.

9. The combination of a pair of couplings of the type described each of which comprises, a first and a second hollow cylindrical socket receptive of hand rail elements, said sockets being integrally formed, said sockets meeting at a right angle to form a junction section between said sockets, said junction section terminating at a surface perpendicular to the axis of the first socket and in a plane including the axis of the second socket, the second socket terminating at a surface perpendicular to the axis of the second socket and tangent to the outer surface of the first socket, said junction section forming a platform for receiving a similar platform of the other coupling, the bore of the first socket extending through the junction section, said couplings being mounted with said platforms abutting, and the first socket of one coupling being coaxial with the first socket of the other coupling.

10. The combination of a first coupling and a second coupling of the class described, the first coupling comprising a first and a second cylindrical socket, said sockets being integrally formed, said sockets meeting at a right angle to form a junction section between the sockets, said junction section terminating at a surface perpendicular to the axis of the first socket and in a plane including the axis of the second socket, the second socket terminating at a surface perpendicular to the axis of the second socket and tangent to the outer surface of the first socket, said junction section forming a platform for receiving a platform of the second coupling, the second coupling comprising a third, a fourth and a fifth cylindrical socket, the fourth and fifth sockets being coaxial, the sockets of the second coupling being integrally formed, the third socket meeting the fourth and fifth sockets at a right angle to form a junction section between the sockets, said junction section being cut away at a surface perpendicular to the axis of the third socket along the axis of the fourth and fifth sockets and at a pair of surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the fourth and fifth sockets tangent to opposite outer surfaces of the third socket, said junction section forming a platform for receiving the platform of the first coupling, said said couplings being mounted with said platforms abutting, the first socket being coaxial with the third socket.

11. The combination of a pair of couplings of the type described each of which comprises, a first, a second, and a third cylindrical socket, all receptive of hand rail elements, the second and third sockets being coaxial, said sockets being integrally formed, the first socket meeting the second and the third sockets at a right angle to form a junction section between the sockets, said junction section being cut away at a surface perpendicular to the axis of the first socket in a plane including the axis of the second and third sockets and at a pair of surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the second and third sockets tangent to opposite outer surfaces of the first socket, said junction section forming a platform for receiving a similar platform of the other coupling, said couplings being mounted with said platforms abutting, the first socket of one coupling being coaxial with the first socket of the other coupling, the axis of the second and third sockets of one coupling being perpendicular to the axis of the second and third sockets of the other coupling.

JAMES C. DENIER.

No references cited. 

